The Stanley Hotel
The Most Haunted Hotel in Colorado?
Estes Park, Colorado is one of my all-time favorite vacation destinations. My family and I go there on a yearly basis. Knowing how much l love Estes Park and my fascination with all things haunted, it is amazing to me that I have yet to stay at the Stanley Hotel or to take it's haunted hotel tour.
There are more ghosts and ghost sightings reported inside The Stanley Hotel than any other hotel I've heard of outside of New Orleans.
The hotel was built by F. O. Stanley in 1909. He purchased the property for the hotel from Lord Dunraven. Stanley and his wife Flora ran the hotel and, if you believe the reports, are possibly still reside there today. Many guests and staff have reported seeing F. O. Stanley and his wife in various parts of the hotel. Freelan frequently hangs out in the billiard room while Flora will reportedly play the piano when the fancy strikes her. This always startles the hotel guests, but the staff, at least the long term staff, seems to be somewhat used to the occurrence.
The ghosts of Stanley and his wife are quite benign spirits. They seem to like looking after everyone. Guests have also reported seeing spirits of children in parts of the hotel, or hearing the sounds of children playing in the hallways when there are no children around.
The most malevolent ghost of the hotel is said to be Lord Dunraven himself. Mad at being run out of town for trying to swindle land rights for a private hunting reserve, Dunraven haunts his old room and is known for flinging jewelry and other articles around and making loud noises.
Famous occupants have stayed at the haunted Stanley Hotel and had very strange encounters. Most notoriously is Stephen King, who wrote part of The Shining in room 217. There he saw ghostly inhabitants and strange happenings which became the basis of the story and the fictional Overlook Hotel. The film version of the movie starring Jack Nicholson was not filmed on location, however, parts of the 90's mini-series/remake starring Gary Sinise, were filmed there.
Rumor has it that Hollywood actor Jim Carrey stayed in the very same room as Stephen King (room 217), but ran out hurriedly late in the evening - not wanting to answer any questions about what bizarre events he had witnessed. True or not? You decide for yourself.
For people who want to experience some of the magic and majesty the hotel provides, there is "The Shining Ball" which is a yearly production. It continues to be one of Colorado's most anticipated holiday attractions every Halloween. I hope to get to one someday.
Recently, the Stanley Hotel and it's ghosts were featured on The Ghost Adventures show on the Travel Channel. You can view part 1 of the episode below.
- The Ghost Adventures Show visits The Stanley Hotel (Part 1 of 3)
- The Ghost Adventures - Stanley Hotel Pt. 2 of 3
- The Ghost Adventures - Stanley Hotel Pt. 3 of 3
The Stanley Hotel is definitely one of the most famous haunted hotels in Colorado. If you wish to see the other episodes of The Ghost Adventures please visit our YouTube channel and click on the "Mysterious Colorado - Best Of..." playlist.
Special Thanks to:
- The Stanley Hotel - official website
- The Stanley Hotel - Wikipedia
- Ghost Adventures - The Travel Channel
- Legends of America: Haunted Estes Park
- Surviving the Stanley Hotel - by Mike Brody
- Haunted History - The Haunted Rockies
for being fact gathering and resource checking powerhouses!
“An idea, like a ghost, must be spoken to a little before it will explain itself.”
-Charles Dickens
